BANGI – Embattled non-governmental organisation (NGO) Aman Palestin Berhad (Aman Palestin) has claimed that allegations of donations not reaching Palestinians are merely a “misunderstanding”, as the monies had not been channelled through the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia.
During a press conference earlier tonight, Aman Palestin board chairman Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman claimed the public had made the accusations without understanding the full picture.
“In actuality, it is not because NGOs do not send the funds. Malaysian NGOs, especially Aman Palestin, have delivered the funds since 18 years ago.
“Why do (they) say that we did not deliver? It is because we do not channel them through the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia,” he said at the organisation’s headquarters in Bandar Baru Bangi.
However, Zaik did not elaborate on the organisation’s procedures when channeling funds to Palestine.
Confirming that AP had provided financial assistance was Global Coalition of Palestine and Al-Quds Secretary-general Sheikh Munir Saeed, who was present at the press conference.
Munir thanked the organisation for being one of the pioneers in fundraising for the needs of Palestinian people.
Separately, Aman Palestin CEO Awang Suffian Awang Piut revealed that RM500,000 was sent to aid Palestinians before October 17.
Its second batch amounting to RM2.5 million was sent before October 23, prior to the freezing of the organisation’s accounts.
Awang Suffian also said Aman Palestin conducts auditing procedures annually, with 2021 being its last year.
He added that the documents are accessible through the Companies Commission (SSM) website.
According to the allegations, more than RM70 million of Aman Palestin’s funds were funnelled to a company, which allegedly used them to make cash investments, and to buy gold and property.
This was uncovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after conducting five raids on November 24, including on the said company, sources told The Star.
It was also reported that investigators found that the company owned 27 assets, such as buildings and plots of land, as well as money being transferred to other companies.
Yesterday, it was reported that four 1kg Grade 999.9 gold bullion bars were among the items seized during the raids.
Meanwhile, MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki was quoted as saying that raids were done on the Aman Palestin office and homes of three of its officials.
In October, the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali reminded Malaysians against contributing to dubious donation drives claiming to help Palestinians affected by the violence in Gaza.
Speaking to Scoop, Walid Abu Ali stressed the importance of ensuring that donations intended for Palestine reach their intended recipients, cautioning Malaysians about the importance of directing their contributions to the right channels while underlining the need for transparency and accountability.
Despite the friendly caution, the ambassador’s remarks served as a reminder to ensure that charitable efforts made by Malaysians have a direct and positive impact on the Palestinian people.
However, he noted that the generosity of Malaysians showed the robust and enduring support they have shown for Palestine. – November 27, 2023